Job Interview Guide: How to Ace an

Interview
Tips and strategies for successful interviewing

A successful job search has many components: an effective search strategy,

a compelling resume and cover letter, and sharp job interview skills. If you’re
getting a lot of phone screens and first interviews but no job offers, it might be
time to examine the last part of the equation: your interviewing techniques.

Get insight into the process and set yourself up for a successful job interview.

How to Make the Best Interview Impression

To impress your interviewers, you’ll need to be able to demonstrate that your
qualifications and experience make you the best candidate for the job. This
means knowing what they’re looking for, understanding what you have to
offer, and being able to quantify your successes. It also means coming across
as a likable person who will fit in well with the team and help the company
achieve its goals.

Needless to say, communicating all these things during a relatively short

conversation can be challenging.

What to Do Before the Interview

Research the Company. Gathering background information on a prospective
employer is crucial to successfully preparing for an interview.

Your first step is to review the employer's website, especially the About Us
section. Take a look at the company's social media presence, too. This will
give you insight into how the company wants the public to perceive it.
Research the company's history, its position in the market, and new
developments, particularly recent or planned changes that could affect your
role. Don't be afraid to request additional details about the position at hand,
too.

When you demonstrate your knowledge about the organization during an

interview, it shows genuine interest, which is what interviewers want to see.
Practice Answering (and Asking!) Interview Questions. Prepare answers
to commonly asked interview questions. Doing so will help you analyze your
background and qualifications for the position. Plus, thinking through your
responses will help you sound confident during the interview, and avoid
rambling or incoherent responses.

Envision Yourself in the Role. If you can’t imagine yourself in the job,
chances are that it will be hard for the hiring manager to picture it, either. So,
once you’ve determined that your qualifications and the job requirements are
the perfect match, devote some time to envisioning yourself in this job.

In addition to helping you gain confidence, this strategy will help you prepare
for a crucial part of the job interview: explaining what you can accomplish in
your first 60 or 90 days on the job. Just remember to avoid sounding as if you
have a plan to change everything about the company. Typically, hiring
managers are invested in their organization, and may resent any suggestion
that the company needs a top-to-bottom makeover.

Hold a Dress Rehearsal. Ask a close friend or mentor to conduct a mock

interview with you—someone with insight about recruiting and hiring
processes is ideal. Record the mock interview and review it to see how well
you answer questions.

As well as paying attention to your responses during this practice run, take a
look at your posture and eye contact. Your body language during an interview
– from the initial handshake through the farewell at the end – can make a
difference in how interviewers perceive you.

Don’t Forget the Details. Try on your interview attire. Make sure it fits and
that you feel comfortable. Assemble your interview materials, e.g. copies of
your resume and a list of references, and have your portfolio, briefcase, or
bag packed and ready to go.

Don't wait until the last minute to get directions to the interview location and
estimate your travel time. Give yourself enough time to arrive several minutes
early so you have time to decompress and relax before your meeting.

How to Handle the Interview

Listen. The best job interviews often feel like a conversation (albeit one where
both parties are trying to impress one another). To achieve this, remember to
focus on listening, not just waiting for your chance to speak. Not only will you
be able to respond more effectively to their questions, you’ll also demonstrate
a valuable soft skill.

Handle Questions About Salary the Right Way. Dreading the salary
negotiation portion of the interview process? You’re not alone. Less than half
of respondents to a CareerBuilder survey said that they negotiated salary after
receiving a job offer. And 51% of those non-negotiators said that they
resisted because they were uncomfortable asking for more

Note

Remember that salary is only one part of your compensation. It’s also
important to evaluate benefits packages when you’re deciding whether or not
to take a job.

Avoid Typical Interview Blunders. Mistakes happen. Sometimes, a question

will stump you. Or an unexpected situation will make you late. Many of the
most common interview mistakes can be avoided with a bit of planning – and
some awareness of interviewer pet peeves.

Note

Before you go into the interview, make sure your phone is turned off or is on
silent. The last thing you need is your phone going off in the middle of a job
interview!

What to Do After the Interview

Send a Thank-You Note. One of the most important parts of the job interview
happens after you leave the building: sending a thank-you note. How
important is it? According to an Accountemps survey, 80% of hiring managers
say that they consider thank-you notes when deciding which candidates to
hire. The same survey found that only 24% of candidates actually sent a post-
interview note, though, so if you take the time to say thanks, you’ll stand out
from the competition.2
Follow Up the Right Way. What if you send your thank-you note and don’t
hear anything back? If a week or more has gone by—or you’ve waited the
amount of time specified by the hiring manager—it’s a good idea to send a
follow-up email to check in and reiterate your interest in the job. After that, let
it go.

Note
Too much follow-up can look like the wrong kind of persistence.
Don’t Pause Your Job Search. Don’t wait to hear from the hiring manager,
even if things look good. Keep your job search rolling and you won’t have to
restart it again if the job offer fails to materialize. Plus, you never know what
kinds of opportunities are waiting for you if you keep looking.

Job Interview Questions and Answers

Here's a list of common job interview questions, with examples of the best
answers about you, your work history and experience, the new job, salary,
what you have to offer the employer, and your goals for the future.

Questions About You

Interviewers will ask questions about you to gain insight into your personality
and to determine whether you're a fit for both the job and the company. These
are open-ended questions which will give you the opportunity to show the
employer that you're well-qualified for the position.

● Tell me about yourself.

● What is your greatest strength?
● What is your greatest weakness?
● What makes you unique?
● Tell me about something that's not on your resume.
● How will your greatest strength help you perform?
● How do you handle failure?
● How do you handle success?
● Do you consider yourself successful? Why?
● How do you handle stress and pressure?
● How would you describe yourself?
● Describe a typical work week.
● Are you nice?
● Are you willing to fail?
● Are you willing to relocate?
● Describe your work ethic.
● Describe your work style.
● Do you work well with other people?
● Do you take work home with you?
● How are you different from the competition?
● How do you view yourself? Whom do you compare yourself to?
● How does this job fit in with your career aspirations?
● How many hours a week do you normally work?
● How well do you assimilate into a new environment?
● How would you adjust to working for a new company?
● How would you describe the pace at which you work?
● How would your co-workers describe your personality?
● How would a professor describe you?
● Is there anything else we should know about you?
 ● What motivates you?
● Are you a self-motivator?
● What do you find are the most difficult decisions to make?
● What has been the greatest disappointment in your life?
● What are you passionate about?
● What are your hobbies?
● What are your pet peeves?
● What is your dream job?
● Would you rather be liked or respected?
● Why should I take a risk on you?
● If you could relive the last ten years of your life, what would you do
differently?

Questions About Leaving Your Job

Employers almost always ask about why you left, or are leaving, your job. Be
prepared with an explanation for why you're moving on. Do make sure the
reasons you give match what past employers will say about you if they are
contacted for a reference.

● Why are you leaving your job?

● Why do you want to change jobs?
● Why were you fired?
● Why were you laid-off?
● Why did you quit your job?
● Why did you resign?
● What have you been doing since your last job?
● Why have you been unemployed?

Why You Should Be Hired

Why should you be hired over the other applicants? What makes you the best
candidate for the job? Here's when you'll have the opportunity to make a case
for getting a job offer, and the chance to sell yourself to the interviewer.

● Why should we hire you?

● Why shouldn't we hire you?
● What can you contribute to this company?

Questions About Salary

Some of the hardest questions to answer during a job interview are about
compensation. Here's what you will be asked and examples of the best
answers. Questions about salary can be tricky to answer, and, in some
locations, employers aren't allowed to ask about your salary history.

● What are your salary expectations?

● What are your salary requirements?
● Why would you take a job for less money?

Qualifications Questions
The most important thing for interviewers to determine is whether you're
qualified for the job. Here's what they will ask to find out. When responding, be
specific.

● What applicable experience do you have?

● Are you overqualified for this job?
● How did you impact the bottom line?
● Interview questions about your abilities.
● Tell me about your educational background.
● What can you do better for us than the other candidates for the job?
● Which parts of this job are the most challenging for you?
● What philosophy guides your work?
● What strength will help you the most to succeed?
● Why are you interested in taking a lower level job?

Job Performance Questions

How you performed in previous roles can indicate how you will perform in the
job for which you're applying. Be prepared to answer questions about what
you did well - and what you didn't.

Note
Be careful about how you to respond to negative questions. You can frame
your responses in a positive manner, even when discussing a challenging
situation.

As with questions about qualifications, be sure to relate your performance to

the employer's requirements.

● What do people most often criticize about you?

 ● What is the biggest criticism you received from your boss?
● What makes you angry?
● What problems have you encountered at work?
● What strategies would you use to motivate your team?
● What would you be looking for in an applicant?
● When was the last time you were angry? What happened?
● Why weren't you promoted at your last job?
● Tell me about something you would have done differently at work.
● If the people who know you were asked why you should be hired, what
would they say?
● What type of work environment do you prefer?
● How do you evaluate success?
● Describe a difficult work situation or project and how you overcame it.
● Describe a time when your workload was heavy and how you handled it.

Management and Teamwork Questions

Are you a team player? Do you work well with others? Do you prefer to work
in a solitary environment or as part of a team? Your work style, and how you
get along with others, including co-workers, managers, and customers or
clients is important to all employers. Here are some of the questions
employers ask about getting along at work.

● Who was your best boss and who was the worst?
● Describe your ideal boss.
● If you know your boss is 100% wrong about something how would you
handle it?
● What do you expect from a supervisor?
● Have you ever had difficulty working with a manager?
● How did you fit in with the company culture?
● Describe how you managed a problem employee.
● Do you like working in a fast-paced team environment?
● Give some examples of teamwork.
● More teamwork interview questions.

The New Job and the Company

What do you know about the company, why do you want the job, and what
would you do if you were to be hired, are just some of the questions you'll be
asked about the position and employer. Take the time to research the
employer prior to the interview, so that you can ask informed questions about
the job and company.
 ● How is our company better than your current employer?
● What interests you about this job?
● What do you know about this company?
● Why do you want this job?
● Why do you want to work here?
● What challenges are you looking for in a position?
● What do you see yourself doing within the first 30 days on the job?
● What can we expect from you in the first 60 days on the job?
● Are you willing to travel?
● What would be your ideal company culture?
● When could you start work?
● Is there anything I haven't told you about the job or company that you
would like to know?

Questions About The Future

Are you going to stick around if you're hired is something most employers
want to know. All these questions will gauge your interest in making a
commitment.

● Tell me about the trends in your profession and industry.

● What are you looking for in your next job? What is important to you?
● What is your professional development plan?
● Where do you see yourself five years from now?
● How do you plan to achieve your goals?
● What will you do if you don't get this position?

Questions to Ask
The last question you'll most likely be asked is whether you have any
questions.

Tips for Answering Job Specific Interview Questions

Check the Job Requirements. Before you go to an interview, check the job
requirements listed in the job posting to which you responded. Make a list of
the skills you have that match those requirements. Review the list prior to the
interview, and if you need a "cheat sheet" jot down the list on the notepad you
bring to the interview with you.
Show What You Know. Show the interviewer that you know how to do the
job by giving specific examples of hands-on knowledge you have when
responding to interview questions. When you respond with actual on-the-job
experiences and situations you have encountered at work, you're showing the
interviewer what you know instead of just saying you can do the job.

Showcase Your Skills. The company has a specific skill set in mind. That's
why you were selected for an interview. The skills you listed on your resume
and mentioned in your cover letter got you the interview. Be sure that you
know exactly what's on your resume or CV and the information you entered if
you filled out a job application. Highlight the most relevant skills during your
interview.

Capitalize on Credentials. Do you have a degree or have you taken

coursework in the field? Do you have certifications or special training for the
job? Be sure to mention your credentials during the interview. Knowledge
really is power when it comes to job interviews, and the more you can relay
what you know, the better your chances of being invited for a second interview
and ultimately getting a job offer.

Be Honest. Regardless of how much you want the job, be honest and don't
say you know how to do something if you don't. If you don't have all the
required skills or educational requirements the company may be willing to
train you. If not, the job isn't going to be a good fit, and it's going to be a
challenge to succeed in the role at the company. It's better to pass on a job
than it is to fail and end up losing it because you weren't qualified.

Take the time to thoroughly prepare for your job interviews. Review both the
general interview questions asked of all candidates for employment and job
specific interview questions. Consider how best to respond, and be sure to
have examples ready to share with the hiring manager. A little knowledge
about the company itself always reflects well on your desire to become a part
of what they're doing, as well.

Behavioral Interview Questions

Behavioral interview questions will be more pointed, more probing, and more
specific than traditional interview questions:

● Give an example of an occasion when you used logic to solve a

problem.
 ● Give an example of a goal you reached and tell me how you achieved it.
● Describe a decision you made that was unpopular and how you handled
implementing it.
● Have you gone above and beyond the call of duty? If so, how?
● What do you do when your schedule is interrupted? Give an example of
how you handle it.
● Have you had to convince a team to work on a project they weren't
thrilled about? How did you do it?
● Have you handled a difficult situation with a co-worker? How?
● Tell me about how you worked effectively under pressure.

Follow-up questions will also be detailed. You may be asked what you did,
what you said, how you reacted, or how you felt during the situation you
shared with the hiring manager.

The Best Way To Prepare

What's the best way to prepare? It's important to remember that you will not
know what type of interview will take place until you are sitting in the interview
room. So, prepare answers to traditional interview questions.

Then, since you don't know exactly what situations you will be asked about if
it's a behavioral interview, refresh your memory and consider some special
situations you have dealt with or projects you have worked on. You may be
able to use them to help frame responses.

Note
Prepare stories that illustrate times when you have successfully solved
problems or performed memorably.
The stories will be useful to help you respond meaningfully in a behavioral
interview. You can research the STAR interview response technique, which
offers a way of answering behavioral interview questions. (More on this in a
moment.)

Finally, review the job description, if you have it, or the job posting or ad. You
may be able to get a sense of what skills and behavioral characteristics the
employer is seeking from reading the job description and position
requirements.

Tips for During the Interview

During the interview, if you are not sure how to answer the question, ask for
clarification. Then use the STAR technique, being sure to include these points
in your answer:

● A specific situation
● The tasks that needed to be done
● The action you took
● The results, i.e., what happened

It's important to keep in mind that there are no right or wrong answers. The
interviewer is simply trying to understand how you behaved in a given
situation.

Note
How you respond will determine if there is a fit between your skills and the
position the company is seeking to fill.
So, listen carefully, be clear and detailed when you respond and, most
importantly, be honest. If your answers are not what the interviewer is looking
for, this position may not be the best job for you.